Jambhala: The Buddhist God of Wealth, Prosperity, and Abundance

Let’s be honest, when you hear “God of Wealth,” what pops into your mind? Maybe a smiling, ancient king showering gold coins from the sky? While that’s a fun image, the Buddhist deity Jambhala (or Dzambhala) is so much more profound. 

He is a powerful guide to all forms of abundance. We’re talking prosperity, yes, but also generosity, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles that block our inner and outer wealth.

Intrigued? I was too. So, let’s dive into the captivating world of Jhambhala. You might just find that his lessons are exactly what you need to hear. 

Who is Jambhala?

Dzambhala comes from Sanskrit, where "Dzam" means deity, "Bhah" means gold or wealth, and "La" means to honor. Put together, it describes a “precious golden deity who brings both richness and material abundance.”

Jambhala is also known as Dzambhala and is regarded as the Buddhist god of wealth and prosperity. He is often compared to Kubera (the Hindu god of wealth) and is seen as a guardian of both material and spiritual abundance. Regarded as an emanation of Avalokiteshvara. 

In Buddhist tradition, his role is not to encourage greed but to remove poverty and suffering caused by lack of resources. He is a protector who helps practitioners overcome poverty, fear, and scarcity and build generosity and support spiritual practices.

The Origin

Jambala’s story connects deeply with compassion. According to a famous story, Jambhala was once a Bodhisattva of Karuna. One day, while he was helping beings in need, he faced a demon, who attacked him and injured his head. 

Out of immense compassion, Buddha himself appeared and cured him by putting nectar from a water flask in his head. 

Jambhala is also often perceived as an embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, symbolizing compassion through effective means of wealth and prosperity. He is also compared with the Hindu god Kubera. 

This original story highlights the role of Jambhala, not only as a donor of physical wealth but also as a guardian who saves bad luck and leads practitioners to a balanced spiritual and worldly abundance. 

Five Forms: Faces of Fortune 

There are five main forms of Jambhala, each of which is with a different color, mantra, and symbolic meaning. These forms are connected to different Buddhas and represent different aspects of wealth and compassion. 

1. Yellow Jambhala 

Yellow Jambhala is the best known and most popular form. He is associated with the Ratnasambhava Buddha. In thangkas and statues, he is often depicted as pot-bellied, which symbolizes the digestion of all negativity and the holding of abundance. He sits on a lotus, a moon disc. His right hand holds a bijapuraka fruit (a citron fruit) that spouts jewels and treasures.

His left hand holds a mongoose, often spitting precious gems. This mongoose symbolizes his victory over the nagas (serpent spirits who guard wealth), showing he has mastered and redistributes worldly wealth. Yellow Jambhala is the most popular form for attracting wealth, overcoming financial hardship, and cultivating generosity. 

2. White Jambhala

White Jambhala is related to Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. He is often portrayed with three eyes and with a serene expression, riding a dragon or a snow lion, and holding a victory banner and a jewel-spitting mongoose. 

His white color reflects purity, spiritual knowledge, and a peaceful nature. His practices are intended to remove karmic debt and poverty.

3. Black Jambhala 

Black Jambhala is a fierce and wrathful deity, a manifestation of Amoghasiddhi Buddha. He represents the power to absorb negativity and remove obstacles. His dark black-colored body symbolizes the subjugation of obstacles, protection, and the elimination of poverty. 

Black Jambhala is often depicted as naked with a potbelly and dwarf-like form. Usually shown stepping on a human figure, symbolizing triumph over greed and ego. He is a wrathful deity known to subdue obstacles, negative forces, and financial difficulties. 

4. Green Jambhala 

Green Jambhala is associated with Amoghasiddhi Buddha. His color symbolizes growth, prosperity, and abundance. He is depicted often seated, holding a mongoose spitting jewels. 

His iconography is central to invoking prosperity and material wealth. Also, he is believed to grant success in endeavors and spiritual growth. 

5. Red Jambhala

Red Jambhala is the powerful Buddhist wealth deity. His Tibetan name is Dzambhala Mapo. He is a manifestation of Vajrasattva, has two faces and four arms, and holds a mongoose in his left hand.

Red-colored body as he sits in a vajra position. He holds Khorlo in his right hand. He symbolizes the power, vitality, control, and mastery over desire and helps overcome emotional, spiritual, and financial obstacles. 

1. Who is Jambhala in Buddhism?

Jambhala is the Buddhist god of wealth and prosperity, revered as a compassionate protector who removes poverty and obstacles while encouraging generosity. 

2. How many forms of Jambhala are there?

There are five forms: Yellow, White, Black, Green, and Red Jambhala. Each of them represents various aspects of wealth, compassion, and protection. 

3. Is Jambhala similar to Kubera?

In Buddhism, Jambhala is often compared to Kuber in Hinduism, because both are wealth gods. However, he emphasized removing compassion and sorrow, while Kubera is more associated with worldly things. 

Jambhala is a mesmerizing deity who is more than just a “god of wealth.” He is a symbol of the Buddhist theory that true abundance comes when lived generously, free from fear and greed. 

If you are drawn to Jambhala, remember his essence: prosperity is not only what we receive but also what we give. 

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